Strainers, methods, and filter assemblies therefor

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to strainers for removing particulates from fluid media, including filter assemblies for strainers having improved sealing and straining characteristics.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A filter assembly for a strainer, comprising:
 a tubular, perforated body having a first end and an opposed second end; and   a first elastomeric sealing ring disposed about the filter assembly at or near the first end of the perforated body.   
     
     
         2 . The filter assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a channel that is sized and shaped to receive the first elastomeric sealing ring and is configured to position the first elastomeric sealing ring about the filter assembly at or near the first end of the perforated body. 
     
     
         3 . The filter assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing ring disposed at the first end of the perforated body, the reinforcing ring comprising a channel that is sized and shaped to receive the first elastomeric sealing ring and is configured to position the first elastomeric sealing ring about the filter assembly near the first end of the perforated body. 
     
     
         4 . The filter assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the reinforcing ring comprises (i) a tubular ring body positioned within the perforated body, and (ii) a pair of projections defining the channel at an outer surface of a first end of the reinforcing ring. 
     
     
         5 . The filter assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the projections have an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the tubular ring body. 
     
     
         6 . The filter assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the reinforcing ring is formed of stainless steel. 
     
     
         7 . The filter assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the perforated body comprises a perforated backing and a mesh screen positioned adjacent the perforated backing. 
     
     
         8 . The filter assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the perforated backing comprises a stainless steel screen having a plurality of apertures therein, the apertures having a diameter of from about 1/32 inch to about ½ inch. 
     
     
         9 . The filter assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the mesh screen comprises a stainless steel mesh having a mesh size of from about 20 to about 400. 
     
     
         10 . The filter assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular, perforated body is cylindrical. 
     
     
         11 . The filter assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first elastomeric sealing ring comprises a fluoroelastomeric material. 
     
     
         12 . The filter assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a second elastomeric sealing ring disposed about the filter assembly at or near the second end of the perforated body. 
     
     
         13 . A strainer assembly, comprising:
 a strainer body comprising a first filter assembly seat; and   the filter assembly of  claim 1  positioned within the strainer body,   wherein the first filter assembly seat is sized and shaped to mate with the first elastomeric sealing ring of the filter assembly, such that a seal is formed between the filter assembly and the first filter assembly seat.   
     
     
         14 . The strainer assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the strainer body comprises a Y-strainer body. 
     
     
         15 . The strainer assembly of  claim 13 , further comprising a removable cover that comprises a second filter assembly seat. 
     
     
         16 . The strainer assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the removable cover comprises a threaded hole and mating plug configured for connecting a blow down valve. 
     
     
         17 . The strainer assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising a gasket positioned between the removable cover and the strainer body. 
     
     
         18 . A method for straining particulates from media, comprising passing the media through the strainer assembly of  claim 13 , such that particulates in the media larger than perforations of the perforated body of the filter assembly are filtered from the media. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the media is fuel gas for a burner.